High Speed Cable Connection Security ?

[Hugh R]

Just got high speed cable where I don't have to dial up. Question: otherthan a firewall, is there anything else security wise I should do. I have XPs firewall on one computer and Zone Alarm on an older computer that runs windows ME.

Thanks in advance.

[84porsche]

I think Zone Alarm and Windows XP firewall protection are good but Zone Alarm may make surfing the web a little hard with having to identify which sites are good and which are bad. I also have installed Norton Systemworks 2004 for basic virus protection and have a Linksys Router which acts as a firewall for my computer. I think you just need some good virus software and you need to make sure you update Windows consistently so that you are protected from loopholes in the programming.

[RickM]

Also, you may want to consider a browser other than IE...I went to Mozilla and I'm very happy. I believe MS is coming out with a long awaited Service Pack to address many security issues with XP.

In addition to 84porsches's advice, using Spy Sweeper will help with alot of the Adware crap as well.

[Hugh R]

Thanks for the advise, I do use Norton antivirus and an ad/spy ware program periodically. I'm also going to replace the wireless antenna on one computer with an ethernet cable to the router.

[RickM]

Originally posted by Hugh R
Thanks for the advise, I do use Norton antivirus and an ad/spy ware program periodically. I'm also going to replace the wireless antenna on one computer with an ethernet cable to the router.

Hugh,
If you run any wireless you'll want to run encryption. I switched over to a hardwired config as wireless performance was less than ideal for me.
BTW, Spysweeper has improved quite a bit. It'll run a number of "shields" in the background.

[azasadny]

You need to use a hardware router/firewall on you Internet connection along with the security measures you have already taken. Go to the local BestBuy, etc... and get a NetGear, Linksys, or Dlink router/firewall (they usually come in a 4 port model to share your In ternet connection with other PCs in your home). Don't forget to change the default admin account and password, follow the simple instructions and you'll be much safer. Don't forget to keep your anti-virus and anti-spyware software up-to-date.

Isn't it ridiculous that we have to go through all of this to be safe on the Internet???

[RickM]

Just released: Microsoft Releases Windows Security Update ......."designed to make users safer from cyberattacks by sealing entries to viruses, better protecting personal data and fending off spyware.
For regular users, the most noticeable change will be a series of new prompts users will see. Users will be asked to actively give permission for programs to interact with their computers, so there is less chance they will be hit by a virus or inadvertently allow malicious software that can monitor computer activities."

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&ncid=&e=6&u=/ap/20040806/ap_on_hi_te/microsoft_update_11

[RickM]

Originally posted by Hugh R
I'm also going to replace the wireless antenna on one computer with an ethernet cable to the router.

Me thinks he has one...at least an access point / router.

[Bill Verburg]

I agree , a hardware firewall like those incorporated in routers works great. The software firwalls can be tricky to configure correctly.

I have a Linksys, and have never had an issue(yet)

[Saintly]

I allways recommend to my users a minimum of
a) a firewall. Zonealarm is good and you don't identify each site that is good or bad. the free version is fine in this case. A hardware firewall has the potential of being safer but it will take a little bit more smarts from the user to configure it correctly. the new sp2 for WinXP will also have some big improvements for the firewall part.. stay tuned.
b) virus protection. allways running, i recomend mcafee virus scan as i think nortons is less than effective and a pain to use with an outbreak. check for updates every day, mine checks every night at 5am.
c) patches. make sure that you are up to date with all of microsofts patches.. many viruses are made to take advantage of systems that are not patched.
d) anti spywhare. ad aware and spybot: search and destroy are both good and free. working together they are effective but they need to be updated and run often (every 1 or 2 weeks). the next version of mcafee enterprise virus scan will have anti spy detection.

cover these basics and you should be safe.